World-known Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet and Opera theatre is one of top 6 ballet and opera companies in the world. It is a "must see" in St. Petersburg.
The theatre has been the home of Russian ballet and opera since the 1860s and has become a mecca for both Russian and international artists. The theatre was reconstructed by A. Kavos, and in 1860 was opened as the Mariinsky Theatre. It was named after the wife of the reigning Tsar Alexander II, Marina. Throughout the years, the theatre has held several names. In 1919, it was renamed the Kirov Theatre. In 1992 the name changed officially once again, back to the original name of Mariinsky Theatre. The theatre s splendid and elegant auditorium is richly decorated and in fact is one of the most beautiful in the world. Through its history, the stage of this theatre has seen such famous ballet-masters and ballet- dancers as A. Pavlova, M. Petipa, G.Ulanova, M.Baryshnicov, A.Nyriev. The performances here are of worldclass quality. The current Artistic and General Director, Maestro Valery Gergiev, has received international recognition for his outstanding work.

Joining the historic Mariinsky Theatre, which dates
from 1860, and the Mariinsky Concert Hall, which was inaugurated in 2006, the
Mariinsky II will expand the Mariinsky’s cultural complex on legendary Theatre
Square and enable the institution to offer the public a greatly increased
schedule of presentations. Mariinsky II, funded by the Russian Government, is
designed by the Toronto-based firm of Diamond Schmitt Architects in conjunction
with the Russian firm KB ViPS. The 851,580-square-foot Mariinsky II will be one
of the largest lyric arts facilities in the world.

Jack Diamond, Principal Architect of Diamond Schmitt Architects, stated,
“When I was approached by Valery Gergiev to enter the international competition
to design the new Mariinsky Theatre, he presented the opportunity to work in one
of the world’s most magical architectural settings, not to mention with a
Maestro who is justifiably renowned as one the world’s most respected leaders in
the performing arts. I am very proud of Mariinsky II and trust it will achieve
our design intent, which is to channel the immense creative spirit that is at the heart of the
Mariinsky Theatre and its Maestro.”

Mariinsky II is designed to complement St. Petersburg’s beloved 19th century
architecture while adding a distinctive new element to the landscape of Theatre
Square. Dramatically large glass facades and bay windows set in the masonry
exterior will provide panoramic views of the city and the adjacent historic
Mariinsky Theatre, while fulfilling the traditional role of colonnaded porticos.
A gently curved metal roof will be enlivened by a glass canopy, giving the
building a contemporary identity that is nevertheless rooted in St. Petersburg’s
architectural heritage.

New Mariinsky theatre considered to be the best opera and ballet stage in the world.
While the auditorium is a contemporary hall, its principles are those of famous 18th and 19th century opera houses, with a horseshoe shape and three balcony levels.
This configuration has proved to be ideal for intimacy, acoustics, sightlines, audience comfort and overall cohesion of the hall.
Throught the numerous tests, location of each seat has been chosen to have the best view of the stage. Each row is higher than the previous to give you a full view of the stage.
Arm-chairs are highly comfortable and also have a lot of leg room, so you can enjoy performance of any length.
In every section, each row of the seats is much higher and behind the previous. Thanks to it, you have a full view of the stage and a lot of leg room.
The Mariinsky II has been designed to create ideal acoustic conditions. At about 18000 m3, the hall has an ideal volume and is the best within the world’s most renowned opera houses.

The New Year's Eve Ball in the palace of Grand Duke VladimirSchedule 2017
Dear ladies and gentelmen!
We glad invite you to New Year`s Ball in a palace of Grand duke Vladimir!
These walls remember great figures of Russia. Great dukes and princesses, all Russia nobility were here frequent visitors.
The glory about balls rattled not only in Russia, but also across in Europe!
We do not change traditions, and this magic New Year`s eve together with you will be met by great persons - Elisaveta and Ekaterina II.
This solemn ball, resting upon century-old traditions is really in harmony with the spirit of Northern capital.
We hope, that you take pleasure in shine and luxury of the Russian Imperia. This night, you will have magnificent opportunity to take pleasure in masterpieces of composers and Russian classical ballet.
The best actors of St.-Petersburg will create for you a unique atmosphere by Rossini`s, Tchaykovsky, Bizet, Minkus and Shopin music, in a magnificent white hall for you alive music will sound. Under wide-known hits you can dance!
Incendiary the gipsy will congratulate you on new 2010 !
Only for you this night in the sky will begin sparkle magnificent fireworks!
Gala-dinnerLimited number of tickets (130 tickets).

Alexandrinsky Imperial Ballet Theatre (established 1756)Schedule 2017
One of the main St. Petersburg's Ballet stages. In Russia, Alexandrinsky Ballet is within 3 top Ballet companies: Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, Alexandrinsky Ballet.
The Hall is the hall of the Imperial theatre, beautifully decorated. In 2007 this historical 18th century building was restored and looks like in 1756. Alexandrinsky Theatre was the main Ballet and Opera stage of the Russian Empire before Mariinsky (Kirov) theatre. Alexandrinsky Ballet utilizes soloists from the Mariinsky and the stage sets are truly magnificent.
Most of the Alexandrinsky Ballet Dancers are graduators of
the famous Vaganova Ballet Academy - most of the Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet
dancers are graduators of the same academy.
The ballet company have many tours worldwide and have a great success all over the world. The performances reflect the quality that one has come to expect from the Mariinsky or the Bolshoi !
The acoustics are excellent and the orchestra is superb. Alexandrinsky is a great alternative to Mariinsky, if you can not visit Mariinsky (Kirov) for some reason.

Mikhailovsky Classical Ballet and Opera Theatre (established 1833)Schedule 2017
Mikhailovsky Classical Ballet and Opera Theatre established 1833)
is a St. Petersburg's second largest Ballet and Opera stage. It is best
Ballet and Opera stage after the world-famous Mariinsky (Kirov).
It is very similar to Mariinsky (Kirov):
The Hall is also the hall of the Imperial theatre, beautifully
decorated. It was renovated in 2010 and now looks the same as in 1833.
Most of the Mikhailovsky Ballet Dancers are graduators of
the famous Vaganova Ballet Academy - most of the Mariinsky (Kirov)
Ballet dancers are graduators of the same academy.
Mikhailovsky is a great alternative to Mariinsky, if you
can not visit Mariinsky (Kirov) for some reason.

World famous Mariinsky Ballet and Opera Theatre - Opera and Concert HallSchedule 2017
The Mariinsky (Kirov) Theatre, Concert Hall has been built with all the latest innovations. The building houses a unique hall with wooden acoustic panels and all the necessary engineering systems. In terms of technology and acoustics, the name of Yasuhisa Toyota should guarantee that the new Concert Hall will rank alongside the world‘s finest concert venues, such as the concert halls in Lucerne, Sapporo and Birmingham, Berlin‘s Philharmonie, Leipzig‘s Gewandhaus and the Disney Hall in Los Angeles. In the new hall, the stage can be transformed for the desired effect according to the programme for the evening. By being able to control separate sections of the stage, it will be possible to vary the positions of orchestral groups or form an orchestra pit. The hall can also be used for semi-staged productions of operas and ballets.
The new hall has 1100 seats. It will host symphony concerts by the Mariinsky Theatre as well as by guest orchestras.
Every row is higher that the previous, so you have a good view of the stage from all the seats. Acoustics is excellent is every section of the hall.
The only difference is the distance between you and the stage. Orchestra and soloists face parterre. Conductor faces Amphitheatre and Dress Circle.According to the experts, today Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet and Opera Theatre - Opera and Concert Hall has the best concert acoustic in the world

Russian Classical Ballet Palace theatreSchedule 2017
The company was founded as the first Theatre of Ballet in Russia under the management of the People‘s Artist of Russia, Professor Peter Gusev in 1966. P. Gusev, the notable artist and balletmaster graduated from the Petrograd Choreographic Academy in 1922 and was an artist of Leningrad Opera and Ballet Theatre untill 1935. From 1940-1950 he
directed the Kirov Ballet, then (1958-1960) was the organizer of the Ballet Theatre in Peking, ballet schools, in Shanghai and Guanchjou.
From 1960-1966 P. Gusev worked as a balletmaster in the Maly Opera and Ballet Theatre and then in Novosibirsk Theatre. Therefore, before the creation of the Saint-Petersburg Ballet he had already time to prove himself as a brilliant choreographer of Ballet Art Schools.
In Russia, Palace Ballet is within the best Russian Ballet companies. Beautifully decorated hall located in the building of the 19th century Palace.
The Ballet company is internationally acknowledged
and has successful tours in the USA, UK and Europe. Most of the Palace Ballet
Dancers are graduators of the famous Vaganova Ballet Academy - most of the
Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet dancers are graduators of the same academy.

Hermitage Theatre of Classical Russian BalletSchedule 2017
Ballet plays in the Emperor Hermitage theatre of the State Hermitage took a special place in an event programme of theatrical St. Petersburg.
The Hermitage Ballet theatre is one of the best Chamber Ballets in Russia. The artistic director is Lev Bruskin, a classmate of Mikhail Baryshnikov. The members of the Corps de Ballet are all graduates from the world famous Vaganova School and they have performed all over USA, UK, Western and Eastern Europe.
Those that have attended other premier ballet theaters in Russia will marvel at the intimate setting of the Hermitage Theater. Every seat is comfortable and offers an unparalleled view of the stage. The performances are so popular that they are often sold out when aficionados arrive and they cannot get in.

Maestro Yury Temirkanov Grand Philharmonic Hall (established 1802)Schedule 2017
Saint-Petersburg philarmony is the oldest in Russia, it is about 200. Its history from Petersburg philarmonical society, created in 1802. In 1824 it organized a world premier of Beethoven‘s "Ceremonial mass".
The hall of the present philarmony was built in 1839 by the architect P.Zhako (K.Rossi designed the facade) for the Gentry Society of Petersburg.
A first-class acoustics hall, placing more than 1500 people, since 40‘s of last century has become a centre of musical life of Petersburg. Philharmonic

Modern Dance Ballet of Boris EifmanSchedule 2017
St Petersburg State Academic Ballet Theatre of Boris Eifman was founded in 1977. The theatee which was called Leningrad Ballet Ensemble originally appeared as the author’s one, the theatre of one choreographer which was a unique event in those days. Having neither stage, nor permanent rehearsal space, with a small group of dancers, the theatre managed to produce the strongest impression with its very first program; those who saw TWO VOICES with Alla Osipenko and John Markovsky still remember the show as a shock. The ballet BOOMERANG also became a brave experiment about which The New York Times wrote an article under the title: Boris Eifman is the man who dared. Just using the music of Pink Floyd, D. Mc Laflin, R. Wakeman (YES) equaled a riot, and combining that music with strikingly emotional, free from academic cliches choreography brought Eifman the reputation of choreographic dissident.

St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre (Tachkin Ballet)Schedule 2017
The theatre was founded in 1994 Konstantin Tachkin and represents the theatre of classical ballet. It is a unique private theatre, developing the traditions of Russian classical ballet and in able to complete with the famous state theatres.
The Ballet dancers - are certificated specialists of the famous Vaganova Academy of Russian ballet. Most of the Ballet Dancers of the world known Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet are graduators of the same Vaganova Academy of Russian ballet.
The Ballet cooperates with leading Russian decoration and costume designers: Vycheslav Okunev ("Giselle", "Don Quixote"), G.Soloviev and S.Pastuch ("Swan lake", "The Nutcracker", "Gala - concert of classical ballet", "Diamonds", "The Sleeping Beauty").
The Tatchkine Ballet is widely known because they have a lot of tours all over the world - in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and in South Africa.

The first sprouts of chamber art appeared on the banks of the Neva in the early XVIII century (salon music parties of the enlightened nobility). The building housing the hall was erected in the middle of the XVIII century after the design by F.B. Rastrelli. The spacious hall with the elegant adjoining rooms on the second floor were initially used for balls and masquerades. In 1802 the Philharmonic Society, the first one in Europe, started its concert activity in the hall.

Imperial Russian Ballet TheatreSchedule 2017
Imperial Ballet is a unique private theatre, developing the traditions of Russian classical ballet and in able to complete with the famous state theatres.
The Ballet dancers - are certificated specialists of the famous Vaganova Academy of Russian ballet. Most of the Ballet Dancers of the world known Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet are graduators of the same Vaganova Academy of Russian ballet.
The Ballet cooperates with leading Russian decoration and costume designers: Vycheslav Okunev ("Giselle", "Don Quixote"), G.Soloviev and S.Pastuch (" Swan lake", "The Nutcracker", "Gala - concert of classical ballet", "Diamonds", "The Sleeping Beauty").
The Tatchkine Ballet is widely known because they have a lot of tours all over the world - in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and in South Africa.

St.Petersburg Circus is one of the leading spectacular circuses of the country. It is here that the pantomimes, topic performances and performances for children are created. Among the most significant productions one should mention the three part review "Parade Allais" dedicated to the 100-jubilee of Leningrad Circus (1977), the date being the occasion to reward the Circus with the Order of Peoples‘ Friendship; fairy pantomime "Ruslan and Ludmila" (1979); the circus play "The Most Joyful Day" after A.P. Chekhov‘s story "Kashtanka" (1985). Among the latest productions noteworthy are "Masters 13" (1993). "Guarantee of Success" (1994), "Circus Jockey and Queen of the Arena"(1995), "Today Here, Tomorrow There" (1997), plays for children "Do Not Touch Le Monti" (1994), "We Do Know These Tales" (1996), "Take the Bull by the Horns", "House without Corners" (1997) etc.

Unique Russian Cossack Folk Show "Bagatitsa" at Smolninsky Concert HallSchedule 2017
Amazing Ensemble "Bagatitsa" is one of the best Cossack dance groups in the world. Exciting Cossack songs and dances, the energy and humor, amazing Cossack costumes, high quality of performance bring joy to every person in the audience. This is proved by extreme popularity of Cossack shows in Russia and abroad. Cossack show "Bagatitsa" is really brilliant example of Russian dancing, music and singing. Ensemble is performing traditional Cossack Russian dances with acrobatic tumbles, split jumps, breathtaking spins and leaps! Enthusiasm for their own cultural heritage is the main motivation and driving force behind the superb performances of the members of this company. Their show portrays the Cossacks’ courage and tells the fascinating tales of fame and honour, war and love with costumes, movement and song. The Russian Cossacks were fearless warriors on horseback yet their energy and love of life found complete expression in the old traditions with song and dance. Cossack Ensemble "Bagatitsa" carefully keeps and successfully presents centuries-old traditions of the great nation.

The history of St. Petersburg Music Hall theatre began in the beginning of XX century, when Emperor Nicholas II National Theatre was built in the Alexandrovsky Park. At first the Hall was used as Opera House, performed by Mariinsky troup. During the Soviet times it transformed into the home of first Soviet musicals. Some musicals are performed here until now, however the theatre is better known by its ballet performances.

Feel Yourself Russian - Best Folk Programme, Brilliant example of Russian Dancing, Music, and SingingSchedule 2017Even during our brief visits to foreign countries we are looking for the opportunity of experiencing different culture. Moreover, there are even "obligatory" sights of visiting such as Eifel Tower in Paris, Big Ben and Tower in London.
Now imagine yourself in St.Petersburg - the most "European" of all Russian cities.
How to get acquaintance with the unique culture of this country? What shall a foreign visitor do, if his time in St.Petersburg is limited, and he would like to try so many different things - ranging from national cuisine - to "mysterious Russian heart"?
Is there any chance for a foreigner to feel himself Russian?
Our answer is YES! This is a unique opportunity - folk show "Feel Yourself Russian" at the Nikolaevsky Palace!
In the very center of St.Petersburg, just in 10-munite walk from the Hermitage and 3-minute walk from the famous St.Isaak Cathedral one can see a beautiful palace - a real masterpiece of architecture of the second half of the XIXth century - Nikolaevsky Palace. Built by a gifted architect Andrey Schtakenshneider for Grand Duke Nikolay, a son of the Emperor Nikolay I, this place will fully meet your highest cultural expectations. Nowadays this Palace is in TOP-100 list of the most valuable and preserved by state monuments such as Kreml and the Hermitage.
We are very glad to invite you to enjoy the folk show "Feel yourself Russian" and Tsar meals at the Nikolaevsky Palace! We have a rich variety of offers for those who take interest in getting acquainted with Russian traditions.
See also Unique Folk Songs and Dance Programme in Moscow, Rissia